A football fan has died from a heart attack after firefighters pulled him out of a river suffering from hypothermia and head injuries.

The Deportivo La Coruna supporter, identified only as "Jimmy" by the club, was discovered amid clashes before the Spanish side's match at Atletico Madrid.

Dozens of rival fans from hardcore 'ultras' groups fought near Atletico's stadium, throwing firecrackers, chairs and sticks.

A hospital spokeswoman said the 43-year-old had died just after 2pm local time after efforts to resuscitate him failed.

Eleven other people were treated for injuries, including a female police officer with a fractured hand.

Police said 24 people were in custody and that they were all from radical fan groups from the two clubs, as well as from Madrid-based clubs Rayo Vallecano and Alcorcon.

A total of 100 troublemakers have been identified, according to a police tweet.

They named the radical groups, who often organise fights among themselves, as Riazor Blues (Deportivo), Frente Atletico, Bukaneros and Alkor Hooligans.

Spain's professional football league, the LFP, said they wanted to call off the match but were unable to contact football bosses in time.

Spanish champions Atletico went on to win the match 2-0.

The country's sport minister, Jose Ignacio Wert, has lined up an urgent meeting with the sport's anti-violence commission on Monday.

Both club presidents spoke to the media to condemn the violence.